Three-dimensional multiphase flow computational fluid dynamics models for proton exchange membrane fuel cell: A theoretical development

Abstract

A review of published three-dimensional, computational fluid dynamics models for proton exchange membrane fuel cells that accounts for multiphase flow is presented. The models can be categorized as models for transport phenomena, geometry or operating condition effects, and thermal effects. The influences of heat and water management on the fuel cell performance have been repeatedly addressed, and these still remain two central issues in proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology. The strengths and weaknesses of the models, the modelling assumptions, and the model validation are discussed. The salient numerical features of the models are examined, and an overview of the most commonly used computational fluid dynamic codes for the numerical modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is given. Comprehensive three-dimensional multiphase flow computational fluid dynamic models accounting for the major transport phenomena inside a complete cell have been developed. However, it has been noted that more research is required to develop models that include among other things, the detailed composition and structure of the catalyst layers, the effects of water droplets movement in the gas flow channels, the consideration of phase change in both the anode and the cathode sides of the fuel cell, and dissolved water transport.

CFD modeling and simulation of PEM fuel cell using OpenFOAM

“…PEM fuel cells have high efficiency and operate at lower temperatures, which make them suitable for automotive power supply, as well as power generation devices for portable electronics and stationary units [1]. The application in the stationary sector covers a wide range of scales going from minigrid-connected combined heat and power systems for residential use, to backup power systems (e.g.…”

Dynamic optimization of thermodynamically rigorous models of multiphase flow in porous subsurface oil reservoirs

“…Dynamic optimization of multiphase flow processes in porous media is relevant to numerous engineering applications, e.g. production of oil from subsurface reservoirs [17,29,41,49,50,59], geothermal energy systems [54], groundwater contamination and remediation [23], trickle bed reactors [20], fuel cells [4,27], food processing [26], and several others [40].…”

An Open-Source Toolbox for PEM Fuel Cell Simulation

“…The development of the present toolbox is in line with the objectives outlined in the International Energy Agency (IEA, Paris, France) Advanced Fuel Cell Annex 37 that is devoted to developing open-source computational tools to facilitate fuel cell technologies. The work therefore serves as a basis for devising additional features that are not always feasible with a commercial code.Computation 2018, 6, 38 2 of 17 making them a suitable choice for automotive power systems, as well as power generation devices for portable electronics and stationary units [1].Nonetheless, the high manufacturing and performance test costs associated with PEM fuel cell systems constitute a major hurdle for their rapid development in terms of experimental studies. Therefore, many researches on PEM fuel cells have focused on improving the cell performance by maximizing its efficiency while minimizing manufacturing and test costs through CFD techniques [1][2][3][4][5].…”

“…The work therefore serves as a basis for devising additional features that are not always feasible with a commercial code.Computation 2018, 6, 38 2 of 17 making them a suitable choice for automotive power systems, as well as power generation devices for portable electronics and stationary units [1].Nonetheless, the high manufacturing and performance test costs associated with PEM fuel cell systems constitute a major hurdle for their rapid development in terms of experimental studies. Therefore, many researches on PEM fuel cells have focused on improving the cell performance by maximizing its efficiency while minimizing manufacturing and test costs through CFD techniques [1][2][3][4][5]. Most of the current state of the art work is concerned with the effects of modelling parameters on cell polarization [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17].As for open-source modelling of PEM fuel cells using OpenFOAM, this paragraph is intended to examine most of the literature's models, though it is likely that it may not include all the published models.…”

“…Computation 2018, 6, 38 2 of 17 making them a suitable choice for automotive power systems, as well as power generation devices for portable electronics and stationary units [1].…”